His Way: Liking Jesus Just As Important As Loving Him

"He said unto him the third time, Peter, do you love me ...'  John 21:17

He said unto him the third time, Peter, do you love me   John 21:17

The word the Lord used to ask the question of Peter the third time was the Greek word philea, which means to like.

Peter was grieved because he realized that the Lord saw into his heart. He was painfully aware that Jesus realized there were things or ways of Jesus that Peter did not like because of his own impetuous nature.

Peter loved Jesus, but he did not always like him. That is what had come between them.

Most of us are like Peter in that there are areas in our lives where we will deny we even know Christ because we do not like his claim to that part of our life. Those things I do not like about Jesus and his claim upon my life must go in order to experience the answer to Jesus prayer  that we may be one with him, even as he was one with the father.

Jesus not only loved God, he liked him and nothing stood between them.

Kay Dishner is a freelance writer who lives in Fort Smith. Contact her at kaydishner@yahoo.com.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.